How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net



Free Photography Bundle ($180 value): PS actions, LR presets, photo overlays, & print templates!
Get it here.


How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

Here at PhotographyPla.net we offer a wide variety of products for photographers, and that includes a number of sets of Word Overlays that can provide a fun way to decorate your own photos, as well as photos for clients. The word overlays add a nice touch that can really make the photo stand out, and in this post we’ll show how you can use our word overlays with your own photos.

Most of our word overlays come in both .png and .psd formats (see the “product details” section of any product page to see the specifics of what is included for a particular product). The .png files are very versatile because they can be used in any photo editor that supports layers. The .psd files have some advantages over the .png files, so if you are using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements you will probably want to work with the .psd files. The .psd files use vector shapes and text layers, so you can increase the size of the overlay if needed. They also are layered, so you can change the color of each word individually, whereas with the .png file every word will need to be the same color.

There are two variations of the .psd files for each word overlay. One uses only vector shape layers, which means that you can use the overlay without needing to download any of the fonts that have been used for the text, but it also means that you won’t be able to edit the text of the overlays. The other .psd uses editable text, so you will be able to make tweaks to the text if you’d like, but you will need to download the fonts used in the file, or allow Photoshop to replace the font with one that you already have installed on your computer. All of the fonts used are listed in the fonts.txt file included with each set of word overlays, and URLs are listed to make it easy for you to download the fonts.

In general, if you are working in a photo editor other than Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, use the .png file. If you are using Photoshop or PSE and you want to edit the text of the word overlay, use the .psd file that contains editable text layers. If you are using Photoshop or PSE and you don’t need to make any changes to the text, use the .psd file where the text has been converted to shape layers.

For this demonstration I’ll show how to work with one of our Wedding Word Overlays, but the process is the same with our other sets of word overlays. To start with, I’ll open a photo that I want to use, and I’ll open the .psd file of a word overlay that I want to use. I’m not going to be changing any text, so I’ll use the .psd file that uses all shape layers.

Here is the photo I will be using:

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

Now, in the word overlay .psd file select all of the layers except the background layer.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

Next, go to Layer > Duplicate Layers. A popup window will open and you want to select the file name of the photo that you are working with, and then click “ok”.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

That will have duplicated the word overlay on top of your photo, but it will not be in the proper place or size. Mover over to your photo and all of the word overlay layers should be selected in the layers palette.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

With all of the overlay layers selected use the free transform tool (Edit > Free Transform) to re-size the overlay and move it into place. To keep the overlay in the proper proportion hold down the shift key and drag one of the corners in or out when you want to re-size the overlay.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

You will also use the free transform tool to drag the overlay into place, wherever you want it to be on your photo.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

The last step is to change the colors of the text, as needed. If you are using a .psd file that includes editable text you will use the type tool to change the color of the text layers. If you are using a .png file you will apply a color overlay to the layer. Since I am using the .psd file with all shape layers I will change the color of each shape. To do so, double click on the icon in the layers palette to open the color picker.

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net

After changing the colors of the layers you’re work with the word overlay is complete!

How to Use Word Overlays from PhotographyPla.net